Yael: Hey Don, see that guy over there? I'm always forgetting his name!
Don: Oh, you mean Matt?
Y: Yeah, that's it! You know, it's really easy for me to remember some names, but others take a lot of work.
D: Don't feel bad. It might be because Matt's face doesn't go with his name.
Y: What? How can Matt's face not go with his name? They're both his!
D: Well, psychologists at Miami University of Ohio conducted experiments showing a correlation between specific facial features and names. In one experiment, the researchers randomly presented participants with a name like Bob, Joe, or Dan, and then asked them to use computer software to draw a picture of someone likely to have this name.
Y: And?
D: The pictures had some striking similarities that depended on the name. For instance, the name "Bob" led most people to draw someone with a rounder face, while the name "Tim" triggered more sketches with longer, thinner features. The study only used common men's names, though, so it's too early to tell how these findings might apply to women's names, or unusual ones.
Y: Well, that's kind of interesting, but what does it have to do with remembering?
D: In another experiment, the participants were shown a series of photos labeled with a name. They were able to learn--and retain--a name much more quickly when the names "fit" their expectations of what a "Bob" or a "Tim" should look like.
Y: So, it's easier to remember someone's name if it's a good match to their face?
D: Exactly. Some names just fit better.
Y: So, how come you remembered Matt's name?
D: Oh him. He's my brother.
correlation:相互的关系
randomly:随即地
sketch:素描
label:标记 |